Silk Road 2009

General:

"Fantastic scenery. A trip to remember always."

" What can I say ? Spectacular every day. How did we see so much magical stuff in such a short time !! Not in order: the tranquility and excitement of Karkul Lake. The camel ride- exhilarating, espec. as I thought I might not be able to get astride. Kashi old town."

So terrific- each day I thought " if I had to go home now- I have seen and enjoyed such wonderful things".

Enjoyed every aspect especially the museums. And when we came home there was a very interesting program on SBS about the finding of the mummies at Loulan ( which we saw at the Museum- the one with the felt hat ).

Was beyond my imagination. So much to see.

Food -

excellent, I enjoyed it all and I didn't put on weight.

Fantastic. Very interesting to have some much variety. Did not get sick of having Chinese each day. Enjoyed every meal. Too much food! Yum!

Excellent throughout. I was surprised by the variety and quality everywhere.I've missed the long lunches ever since.

Hotels-

An interesting mix.

All very well equipped- and clean.

At the start beds seemed hard. As time went on the body adjusted very well.

All great. One or two exceptions with minor problems. Sorted out by our leader.

Guides-

All did a terrific job with their "Birds" Richard, Mahmoud, Ali- all terrific and different. Richard, serious formal and very thoughtful. Mahmoud- fun-loving, also very helpful and informative. Ali... harder to know, but also excellent in his job.

Mahmout could have been taken as a son. So funny and loveable. Could have taken him home in my suitcase.

Travel within China : ( buses, trains, etc) :

Enjoyed train- good sleep. Buses good- one extra good as I could fit comfortably in all senses.

All good. Buses- appreciated our special chair for the high step. Train comfortable, slept well. Well worth doing.

In the first few days the traffic was amazing. ... Drivers so skilful! Kept us safe- train was lovely.

All good- train was interesting- a pleasant surprise actually ( pretty pink curtain)- would have liked a longer trip.

Your favourite city and why:

Kashgar- old city. Urumqi- Museum.

Can't really choose favourite city. All had something special.

All enjoyable- especially the market where I went on my own- especially the butchers.

Kashi.

Kashgar and surrounding areas.

Most memorable moment:

Camels at Singing Sand mountain.

My first sight of the Wall at Jiayuguan. Moved to tears.

Standing on top of home ( house in the old city) and being able to see all the city around.